THUNDER BAY — On July 31, 2025, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors. The investment brings Ontario’s total investment in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario training projects through the SDF to $147.1 million. The SDF protects Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“We are protecting Ontario workers by giving them the training they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With this investment, nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay will get the skills to build our province and build a better life for themselves and their families.”
Premier Ford was joined by members of IBEW Local 402 in Thunder Bay, which is receiving $805,182 to train aspiring electricians through in-class and on-the-job training, with a focus on the industrial and mining sectors in Northwestern Ontario. Participants will be offered apprenticeships upon successful completion of the program.
“We’re protecting Ontario workers by training them today for the jobs of tomorrow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted investments in innovative training projects across Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, we’re building a stronger, more resilient workforce and ensuring Ontario remains competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.”
Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:
- Behind the Wheel is receiving $960,190 to provide participants, including Indigenous peoples and youth across Northern Ontario, with ministry-approved driver education (G1, G2, G) through in-person, virtual and simulator training. This investment will help train individuals across 10 Indigenous communities and address limited transportation access, a critical barrier to employment in rural communities.
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